Archbishop Goldsworthy was installed as leader of the Perth church last weekend, making her the first woman in the world to hold such a high position in the Anglican Church.

Bishop Nelson, who is a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, said he got on well with Archbishop Goldsworthy but they held different theological views on the issue of women in the Church.

Bishop Gary Nelson

“We are still friends but we have different positions,” he said.

“There is not a personal issue here. It’s an issue relating to theological differences and we are not enemies or fighting. But there’s a difference.”

The diocese of North West WA is in effect its own administrative area, meaning there is no need for Bishop Nelson to officially recognise Archbishop Goldsworthy in her role. The diocese extends from Dongara to the northern tip of the State.

In a recent interview, Archbishop Goldsworthy revealed that she had voted Yes in the same-sex marriage survey.

Although she might support same-sex marriage, the Anglican Church does not allow gay weddings.

In a wide-ranging interview with the ABC last week, Archbishop Goldsworthy admitted moments of frustration with the attitudes of some in the Church towards the role of women.

Archbishop Goldsworthy has long faced barriers in her climb up the Church hierarchy.

When she was first ordained as a priest, she faced a last-minute legal challenge. When she was installed as a deacon there was a bomb threat made against the Church.